On Air Saturday Night Live Mike Reynolds | 10:00pm - 1:00am

MiCard system to be replaced by end of 2025

Scrapping 'uneconomical' payment method will save 

Anyone who claims benefits or a state pension will soon need to have their payments made into a bank or online account.

It's as the MiCard system is to be replaced by the end of next year.

The cards allow people to collect their benefits or pension in cash at Isle of Man Post Office branches.

But, with fewer than 3,000 benefit and pensions recipients now collecting in cash, government says it's 'uneconomical' to keep up with the 'declining trend'.

From 31 January 2025, the facility will no longer be an option for new customers.

Existing customers will be able to continue using MiCards until the end of 2025, but will be encouraged to switch to direct payments into their account before then.

Treasury Minister Alex Allinson says his department will be working with the Isle of Man Post Office on this transition over the next 14 months, adding: 'This change will result in a saving of over £500,000 per year.'

More from Isle of Man News